Ahoy, Sandra!
Welcome aboard the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I'm so excited to hEAR you'll be setting sail with Disney Cruise Line for the first time in January! You've asked some great questions, and I'm happy to report that when you booked your sailing and selected the ages of your children, you secured their space in the Oceaneer Club and Lab so there is no need to worry about availability. They can check-in as often as they like during secured operating hours once your crew is aboard.
In just a few days, your Online Check-in will open up, and you'll be able to input your Guest information, travel arrangements, select a port arrival time, register your boys for the
youth spaces, reserve your onboard fun and Port Adventures and review over the cruise contract. This part of the planning always makes the cruise feel like a reality to me! During this process, you'll fill out the Youth Activities Registration Form for both sailors. This form includes information about medical and/or dietary restrictions and a place to mark who is allowed to drop off and pick up your children along with a "Secret Word" that will be given when checking your boys out. You'll also be able to familiarize yourself with the eating policies as well as first aid, photos, behavior information and Oceaneer Bands. Speaking of the Oceaneer Bands, these will need to be picked up either in the cruise terminal or once aboard at either the club or lab. This band looks similar to the MagicBands used at the Walt Disney World Resort, but is secured by a clasp to keep it from coming off. Your boys will wear it throughout the sailing so it can be used for checking in and out each day. There is no charge for the bands, but if you decide to keep them as souvenirs, a charge of around $13.00 per band will be applied to your account.
Thank you for your questions, Sandra! Have a magical day!
Nancy